BamBam Posted April 6, 2008 Report Posted April 6, 2008 Buckys Article Today: Bucky Wrote: We?ll see whether the Sabres learned from their past mistakes and take an aggressive approach with Michigan State winger Tim Kennedy, Boston College winger Nathan Gerbe and University of Denver defenseman Chris Butler. All three are prepared to leave college and start their professional careers. The Sabres best not mess around with lowball offers because the prospects could quickly gain leverage in negotiations, if they haven?t already. They are expected to sign contracts that would take them near the rookie salary cap, which is $850,000 if they played in the NHL and $62,500 if they played in the AHL. All three will be seniors next year if they don?t sign with Buffalo, which would put the Sabres in danger of losing any or all of them. They could play out their senior years, refuse to sign with Buffalo and become unrestricted free agents after Aug. 15. There are plenty of teams out there that would be interested. Kennedy, who is from South Buffalo, is in line for a two-year contract because he turns 22 before September. It?s a stipulation in the collective bargaining agreement. Butler would get a three-year deal because he?s a year younger. Both played for Sioux City in the USHL and have the same adviser, St. Louis- based Al Roy.
tom webster Posted April 6, 2008 Report Posted April 6, 2008 Buckys Article Today: Bucky Wrote: We?ll see whether the Sabres learned from their past mistakes and take an aggressive approach with Michigan State winger Tim Kennedy, Boston College winger Nathan Gerbe and University of Denver defenseman Chris Butler. All three are prepared to leave college and start their professional careers. The Sabres best not mess around with lowball offers because the prospects could quickly gain leverage in negotiations, if they haven?t already. They are expected to sign contracts that would take them near the rookie salary cap, which is $850,000 if they played in the NHL and $62,500 if they played in the AHL. All three will be seniors next year if they don?t sign with Buffalo, which would put the Sabres in danger of losing any or all of them. They could play out their senior years, refuse to sign with Buffalo and become unrestricted free agents after Aug. 15. There are plenty of teams out there that would be interested. Kennedy, who is from South Buffalo, is in line for a two-year contract because he turns 22 before September. It?s a stipulation in the collective bargaining agreement. Butler would get a three-year deal because he?s a year younger. Both played for Sioux City in the USHL and have the same adviser, St. Louis- based Al Roy. Larry engineered that trade for Kennedy after Darcy didn't draft him. You know how Larry likes to look so smart. He will be signed and I'm pretty sure the other two will be also.
LabattBlue Posted April 6, 2008 Report Posted April 6, 2008 If all 3 want to begin their professional careers, I'd be shocked if the Sabres don't get these deals done ASAP. After going from the penthouse to the outhouse in one season, the Sabres front office doesn't need to add any fuel to the fire.
inkman Posted April 6, 2008 Report Posted April 6, 2008 You know what they say, where there is smoke, there is a sportswriter making #%^$#! up...
BamBam Posted April 6, 2008 Author Report Posted April 6, 2008 Larry engineered that trade for Kennedy after Darcy didn't draft him. You know how Larry likes to look so smart. He will be signed and I'm pretty sure the other two will be also. Gerbe is lighting it up this year, and Kennedy is playing nice to. It would be such a waste not to get these guys in the fold.
inkman Posted April 6, 2008 Report Posted April 6, 2008 It would be such a waste not to get these guys in the fold. You are feeding the Bucky BS fire. How many top level prospects have not been signed under the Larry/Darcy regime? One...maybe.
tom webster Posted April 6, 2008 Report Posted April 6, 2008 You know what they say, where there is smoke, there is a sportswriter making #%^$#! up... He is doing his job and reporting the facts. He didn't make anything up, he just asked the question and given their track record, there has to be a little doubt out there. Kennedy apparently wanted to sign last year and Buffalo felt they didn't have room because of the dual affiliation. You telling me there wasn't a player down there they couldn't have jettisoned?
shrader Posted April 6, 2008 Report Posted April 6, 2008 For what its worth, it doesn't sound like Gerbe is ready to go. Now, a national championship could change that, but don't plan on seeing him sign a deal this year.
inkman Posted April 6, 2008 Report Posted April 6, 2008 He didn't make anything up, he just asked the question and given their track record, there has to be a little doubt out there. Their track record with prospects? Is this due to Zigomanis? I don't think their track record with drafted players is any worse than any other team. Kennedy apparently wanted to sign last year and Buffalo felt they didn't have room because of the dual affiliation. You telling me there wasn't a player down there they couldn't have jettisoned? ...and considering the Amerks were letting fans suit up and play the last half of the year, it sounds questionable at best.
tom webster Posted April 6, 2008 Report Posted April 6, 2008 Their track record with prospects? Is this due to Zigomanis? I don't think their track record with drafted players is any worse than any other team....and considering the Amerks were letting fans suit up and play the last half of the year, it sounds questionable at best. Dennis Wideman comes to mind. Barret Heisten, who turned into nothing but was a first round round draft choice. The concern would also be that they wait till the last minute and these guys have more leverage than most juniors.
stenbaro Posted April 6, 2008 Report Posted April 6, 2008 Their track record with prospects? Is this due to Zigomanis? I don't think their track record with drafted players is any worse than any other team....and considering the Amerks were letting fans suit up and play the last half of the year, it sounds questionable at best. I havent read the article so I probably shouldnt comment but what the hell....I dont think their record for signing anyone gives me any confidence at all that they will be signed, with that said I doubt they will let them walk away if the players give them the chance to sign them. I am glad they didnt sign any of them last year as the situation in Rochester probably would have hurt their development. I put money on it they sign them..
inkman Posted April 6, 2008 Report Posted April 6, 2008 The concern would also be that they wait till the last minute and the fax machine is on the fritz again these guys have more leverage than most juniors. fixed
shrader Posted April 6, 2008 Report Posted April 6, 2008 Dennis Wideman comes to mind. Barret Heisten, who turned into nothing but was a first round round draft choice. The concern would also be that they wait till the last minute and these guys have more leverage than most juniors. But look at recent years and they have started to sign guys earlier. Zagrapan and Weber both signed a year after being drafted. I also wouldn't say the college guys have more leverage. Juniors have to be signed in 2 years or else they're back into the draft (or free agents, depending on age). The college guys have a longer window. Kennedy, Butler, and Gerbe are our property up through next August no matter what happens. I am a bit curious where this talk of all 3 being close to rookie maximum guys comes from. It seems to be a case of overvalueing our own people. They're going to sign to very healthy deals, but they can be had for less.
shrader Posted April 6, 2008 Report Posted April 6, 2008 I put money on it they sign them.. And I'd put money on Gerbe staying in BC. Maybe I'll even stop complaining about your username, allowing you to drop the "o" if he does sign.
tom webster Posted April 6, 2008 Report Posted April 6, 2008 But look at recent years and they have started to sign guys earlier. Zagrapan and Weber both signed a year after being drafted. I also wouldn't say the college guys have more leverage. Juniors have to be signed in 2 years or else they're back into the draft (or free agents, depending on age). The college guys have a longer window. Kennedy, Butler, and Gerbe are our property up through next August no matter what happens. I am a bit curious where this talk of all 3 being close to rookie maximum guys comes from. It seems to be a case of overvalueing our own people. They're going to sign to very healthy deals, but they can be had for less. I could be wrong, but i think most guys out of college sign contracts with the teams that draft them for rookie maximum, otherwise its makes sense fo them to roll the dice in free agency and choose were they want to play. I am going to have to leave all these great dscussions as my wife no longer believes I am working.
stenbaro Posted April 6, 2008 Report Posted April 6, 2008 And I'd put money on Gerbe staying in BC. Maybe I'll even stop complaining about your username, allowing you to drop the "o" if he does sign. I think they will all be Sabres, Maybe not signed this yr but they will all be signed by the SAbes..I will let you add an O if I'm wrong..LOL..
shrader Posted April 6, 2008 Report Posted April 6, 2008 I could be wrong, but i think most guys out of college sign contracts with the teams that draft them for rookie maximum, otherwise its makes sense fo them to roll the dice in free agency and choose were they want to play. I am going to have to leave all these great dscussions as my wife no longer believes I am working. This CBA hasn't been in place long enough to know that. Up until now, any drafted college players that lasted until their senior year were products of the old CBA and the teams would have retained their rights for one more year beyond the end of their college careers. I guess we'll start to see now if this becomes a trend, but I don't think that too many guys will stay in college that long. There have been a lot more early defections in recent years. I think they will all be Sabres, Maybe not signed this yr but they will all be signed by the SAbes..I will let you add an O if I'm wrong..LOL.. Ok, that changes things. I thought you were saying that they would all sign right now. I completely agree that they'll all sign by next year. It's possible that they could be packaged somewhere in a deal, but none of these 3 will become free agents.
BamBam Posted April 6, 2008 Author Report Posted April 6, 2008 You are feeding the Bucky BS fire. How many top level prospects have not been signed under the Larry/Darcy regime? One...maybe. I'm really not trying to feed into Bucky Ink. I've watched a few games of Gerbe and Kennedy this year, and would like to see them brought in. Especially if we are going to fill our own farm club with talent.
Eleven Posted April 6, 2008 Report Posted April 6, 2008 Kennedy will be a Sabre when he's done with college; bet on it. Gerbe, I don't care if he's here or not. Butler, I know nothing about.
LabattBlue Posted April 6, 2008 Report Posted April 6, 2008 Gerbe, I don't care if he's here or not. Why is that? Most observers would probably have him in the top 5 Sabre prospects.
BamBam Posted April 7, 2008 Author Report Posted April 7, 2008 Why is that? Most observers would probably have him in the top 5 Sabre prospects. You are right. He is a top 5 prospect. Yes is small, but the kid is a playmaker, and can score.
inkman Posted April 7, 2008 Report Posted April 7, 2008 Kennedy will be a Sabre when he's done with college; bet on it. Why wouldn't he be? Isn't that what happens with prospects? All of a sudden this team can't perform the simplest of transactions. This entire fanbase has turned alarmist, and head bell ringer Bucky loves pulling that false alarm.
shrader Posted April 7, 2008 Report Posted April 7, 2008 You are right. He is a top 5 prospect. Yes is small, but the kid is a playmaker, and can score. Small is an understatement.
wonderbread Posted April 7, 2008 Report Posted April 7, 2008 Why wouldn't he be? Isn't that what happens with prospects? All of a sudden this team can't perform the simplest of transactions. This entire fanbase has turned alarmist, and head bell ringer Bucky loves pulling that false alarm. Don't worry someone will find a way to bitch about it if it gets screwed up. That and Good ole' Bucky will be there to pick up the pieces and tell us all how smart he is cause he knew it all along. And Gerbe is real small...like 6th grade small.
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